Name of Object:

The Victims of Labour

Name in original language:

Le vittime del lavoro

Location:

Rome, Italy

Holding Institution:

National Gallery of Modern Art (GNAM)

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Holding Institution (original language):

Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GNAM)

Date of Object:

1882 (fusion 1895)

Author:

Vincenzo Vela (1820, Ligornetto (Switzerland)-1891, Ligornetto (Switzerland))

Inventory Number:

inv. 1357

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Bronze

Dimensions:

239 x 323 x 40 cm

Description:

Vincenzo Vela studied at the academy of Fine arts of Brera and at the age of 22 he won an Academy of Venice competition. The artwork is an homage to the workers who died during the construction of the Gotthard Tunnel between 1872-82, which had implemented new cost-lowering techniques that also caused numerous incidents and loss of life. Work conditions were very unhealthy: temperatures over 30 degrees, gas exhalations and no air shafts. Even the accommodations were unhealthy and dirty. When the workers went on strike for the inhumane conditions, police shot at protesters, killing four workers. The miners in The Victims of Labour are depicted carrying the body of a dying classmate on a stretcher out of the tunnel. A self-portrait of the sculptor is recognisable in the classmate’s face. The harsh modelling of the workers’ bodies, almost deformed, makes the scene even more powerful. The artist affirmed he had no commission for this work which was a passion project. In 1895 it was cast in bronze on request of the Ministry of Education; in 1900 it was sent to the Universal Exhibition in Paris.

Additional Copyright Information:

Copyright image: Soprintendenza alla Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea.

Citation of this web page:

Marina Minozzi "The Victims of Labour" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;AWE;it;167;en

Prepared by: Marina Minozzi
Copyedited by: Anne Dowell

MWNF Working Number: IT2 025